The Vatican Council Fathers said that the Church be free to choose its own ordained leaders: “In order to safeguard the liberty of the Church and more effectively to promote the good of the faithful, it is the desire of the sacred Council that for the future no rights or privileges be conceded to the civil authorities in regard to the election, nomination, or presentation to bishoprics.” (Christus Dominus)
Copyright 2023 The Catholic Thing. All Rights Reserved. 
Rome’s diplomacy in China contradict Vatican II
George Weigel, National Review
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
The Vatican Council Fathers said that the Church be free to choose its own ordained leaders: “In order to safeguard the liberty of the Church and more effectively to promote the good of the faithful, it is the desire of the sacred Council that for the future no rights or privileges be conceded to the civil authorities in regard to the election, nomination, or presentation to bishoprics.” (Christus Dominus)